droughtmaster.com.au. Video USEFUL LINKS Purebred Dairy Cattle Association American Dairy Association National Association of Animal Breeders The Federation Drought (the worst since European settlement, according to the National Museum of Australia), combined with massive overfarming to leave the land arid, bare and unaccommodating to cattle breeds such as Shorthorns and Herefords. Currently the Droughtmaster cattle are available throughout the mainland states, with the largest numbers are available between Cape York and the New South Wales border. 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Increased number and size of sweat glands; Chemicals in sweat glands provide a repellent action; Immune response to internal and external parasites. popularity has increased to the degree that is spread throughout most states of Australia, Your email address will not be published. (function () { In some cases, the rankings of animals may also change. 61. if (width <= 900) { Their dressing percentage results are around 58% with 76% saleable meat yields. For one, the breed is parasite-resistant, meaning the breeders effectively addressed the threats of cattle ticks on a herdlow birth weights, loss of condition, tick worry, decreased milk production and even transmission of the potentially fatal Tick Fever. Maternal instincts in Droughtmaster cows are strong, and they make attentive mothers who will defend their calves from predators. Drought master breed has more advantages than disadvantages. adElem.style.width = ''; Their humps are moderate and their flesh, though loose, fits well. } They can finish off fields that other cattle could not digest and are not susceptible to bloat. They have a great marbling performance that is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breed. Droughtmaster proudly exhibited at Beef 2021 in both Stud and Commercial sections. In addition to requiring less water than other beef cattle, the breed has a markedly slow metabolic rate. Naturally, the purebred Droughtmaster female is also ideal for use in this fashion. In a recent Queensland trial, Droughtmasters returned dressing percentages of 58% and saleable meat yields of 76%. He got access to three half-breed, For one, the breed is parasite-resistant, meaning the breeders effectively addressed the threats of cattle ticks on a herdlow birth weights, loss of condition, tick worry, decreased milk production and even transmission of the potentially fatal Tick Fever. adElem.style.visibility = 'visible'; Marley - 438kg & Speckle Park bull calf . Much of the development was done by one breeder, R.L. adElem.style.width = (rect.width) + 'px'; Although they are available in polled and horned varieties, most are polled, especially the studs. } else { History Droughtmaster was the name originally coined by a group of astute cattlemen in North Queensland for the breed of cattle which they developed through crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds to overcome the perennial problems of drought, cattle ticks, heat, eye cancer and many other problems that reduced production and profitability. Other British breeds, mainly Hereford, were later used. Curators at the Melbourne Zoo loaned three Zebu bulls, the countrys first imported. Calving ease makes Droughtmaster cows very suitable for crossing with high growth sires, and Droughtmaster bulls pass on the important characteristics of calf shape and low birth weights when used with other breeds. old steer group, although large bullocks are produced, particularly in northern Queensland. The pioneer breeders spent a lot of time (in some cases a lifetime) in culling and selecting breeding stock and were very particular with regard to temperament. The results in the Commercial and Stud Competitions were fantastic, and we even came home . The arrival of the cattle tick from Asia into Queensland in 1896 was a key factor in the initial development of the Droughtmaster breed. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). The Brangus breed was developed to utilize the superior traits of Angus and Brahman cattle. World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds. They have an extended dewlap. From docility and adaptability, to fertility and carcase yield, Droughtmaster's natural traits underpin its wonderful reputation as an allrounder. That lower metabolic rate helps the animal produce less heat, keeping things cool even as temperatures start to increase. Get to Know the Droughtmaster Cattle Breed, In 1910, something of a breakthrough appeared in Australias attempts to breed cattle that could thrive on the countrys land. Your email address will not be published. They are primarily raised for meat production. Cattle were weighed 26.02.2023. VIRILITY & DOCILITYSelection for docility and high libido by the pioneer breeders, has given the Droughtmaster a reputation as a potent and active performer. There are a large number of sweat glands in the loose skin, allowing Droughtmaster Cattle to better thermoregulate. He carefully bred up his cattle over the years while others with Brahmans in a breeding program. Droughtmasters are either polled or horned with the majority of The Droughtmaster bull passes on these dominant traits to his progeny in a crossbreeding program. From docility and adaptability, to fertility and carcase yield, Droughtmasters natural traits underpin its wonderful reputation as an allrounder. These cattle does not require proper space to be kept, these can graze in pastures and know how to utilize their space to enhance their weight and health. In some cases, the Droughtmaster has been introduced to reduce eye disorders. Droughtmasters are either polled or horned with the majority of stud cattle exhibiting the poll characteristic. led to selective breeding of the progeny to arrive finally at a fixed tropical breed A Droughtmaster premium was on display at the weekend's Clarence Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW. var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad'); Tick resistance in cattle is still an area for study, with most evidence pointing to a trinity of conditions in the Droughtmaster: ticks cant hide in their short hair, the breeds sweat glands produce a repelling chemical, and their immune system responds to all manner of parasites. Currently the Droughtmaster cattle are available in some other areas outside Australia. Calves and can be used for drinking and other dairy products. Since the first cross daughters generally retain all of these features, particularly calving ease they are ideal for joining to high growth rate bulls to maximise growth in terminal crosses. They have a good milk yield and are easily bred. The severe drought still raged in 1926, when one R L (Monty) Atkinson set himself to the task of creating a tropical breed that yielded meat more like British cattle. adElem.style.zIndex = ''; droughtmaster.com.au 61 64 1 CONTACTS DROUGHTMASTER STUD BREEDERS' SOCIETY ACN 010 129 683 40 Thorn Street | Ipswich, QLD 4305 Phone: 07 3281 0056 Email: office@droughtmaster.com.au Front. Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. With the arrival of cattle ticks into North . Their heat and tick tolerance, excellent fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation. Droughtmaster presented the single largest breed display at BEEF Australia, with 169 head nominated for the Stud Competition from 41 studs in Queensland and NSW. Droughtmaster cattle are produced specifically as beef cattle. They have very good heat tolerance ability, and are well adapted to the local and harsh environment. Droughtmaster Cattle are moderately late in maturing for slaughter, and are usually taken at one to two years of age. Most beef production areas of the world suffer a nutrient deficit at some stage, and in some cases the deficit is virtually constant. Easy calving eliminates the need for human intervention, thus reducing time and management costs. They have long powerful legs and a small heart-shaped face. He got access to three half-breed Brahman cows, an American zebuine beef cattle derived from animals originating in India. With its genetic base of Shorthorn and Devon, the Droughtmaster is well regarded for its high yielding carcasses of quality beef. The Droughtmaster breed was first recognized in the early 1900's when local farmers and ranchers realized their cattle looked similar (Droughtmaster Australia, 2011). They have red pigmentation which helps them to protect them from cancer eye, sunburnt udders and photosensitisation. A low maintenance digestive system, unique to Bos indicus derived breeds, contributes to the Droughtmaster's reputation for highly efficient feed conversion, which provides a large economic advantage. MOTHERING ABILITYThe breeds maternal instincts are strong. Yes, Quality: Good / High quality of meat. although they are found mainly in Queensland. Their carcass yields are high and the quality lean meat is tender. LONGEVITYEarly maturity, structural soundness and a naturally active constitution can mean a longer working life, thereby reducing bull replacement costs. Curators at the Melbourne Zoo loaned three Zebu bulls, the countrys first imported Bos indicus cattle, to the graziers. Its The breed is basically red in color, although variations from a golden honey color After various crosses, breeders were extremely pleased with the end product of the Droughtmaster, who is almost exactly half Shorthorn and half Brahman! So this breed is highly suitable for the environment of tropical areas of Australia. var rect = adElemSticky.getBoundingClientRect();
COWSADAPTABILITYExcellent walking and foraging abilities coupled with lower nutritional requirements give Droughtmaster cattle the ability to retain condition and keep cycling and breeding, irrespective of prevailing conditions. The red pigmentation in Droughtmasters is reputed to protect the cattle from the harmful rays of the sun, thus reducing the incidence of eye disorders and photo-sensitization. Atkinson. adElemSticky.style.height = rect.height + 'px';
Droughtmaster Research & Education Foundation. List of the Advantages of Dams. With Shorthorn in its background, marbling performance is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breeds producing high quality, tender beef that grades well under the current MSA Cuts Based Grading System. Rigorous genetic selection has seen major advances in breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent MSA and Euro requirements. The Droughtmaster were developed in northern Queensland, Australia's hot tropical north. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. , DROUGHMASTER BREED OF CATTLE QUICK PROFILE OVERVIEW. Their carcass yields are high and the quality lean meat is tender. 1 calf at a time. They are not specifically bred for their cattle hide but it does become a by-product of their meat production. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. They are relatively quiet in temperament. adElem.style.visibility = 'hidden'; Consequently, the F1 Droughtmaster female is renowned as a very efficient dam, and most effective when used with high-growth sires. Numerous wins in carcass competitions across Australia confirm this performance. Droughtmaster cows are attentive to their calves and care for them in adverse conditions. The Droughtmaster cattle are noted for good fertility, ease of calving and very good mothering ability under harsh conditions. Novice to intermediate Cattle farmer/keeper level, Livestock should not be left unattended around unsupervised children. Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. They have easy calvings and rarely need assistance. In the vast pastoral areas of northern Australia, cattlemen can't afford to be assisting breeders during calving, so this characteristic was also a high priority for the Droughtmaster pioneer breeders. Droughtmasters are also noted for their well muscled carcasses with optimum fat cover; give Droughtmasters excellent dressing percentages and high saleable meat yields. Make Some Miso Noodle Soup With A Soft Egg! fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation. adElem.style.opacity = '0'; 147 followers. The Droughtmaster's unique blend of characteristics have been recognised by astute cattlemen elsewhere in the world, and since the 1970's registered Droughtmaster livestock, semen & embryos have been exported to countries throughout Asia, Africa, the middle East, Latin America and the Pacific. It is a very suitable breed in the Australian Tropics which has good tick resistance. [4], The Droughtmaster was developed from about 1915 in North Queensland by crossing zebuine cattle with cattle of British origin, principally the Beef Shorthorn. 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